Modern Slavery in the care sector - provider information - Print version

Modern Slavery in the care sector – What is it?

What is modern slavery?  

Modern slavery is an umbrella term which encompasses all forms of slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation.  

In all forms of modern slavery an exploiter uses means of control such as the threat or use of force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, or an abuse of power or vulnerability to exploit another person for personal, financial, or commercial gain.  

This exploitation may include sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, forced criminality, slavery, financial exploitation, or removal of organs.  

People who are subjected to modern slavery can be children or adults, of any gender, from all backgrounds, countries, and communities. 

Care Recipients and Care Workers can both be victims of modern slavery  

Care Recipients 

• Vulnerable individuals receiving care are at risk of various forms of exploitation. 
• Abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect may indicate modern slavery.  
• Identifying and addressing signs of exploitation is crucial for their safety and well-being. 

Care Workers 

• Migrant workers, undocumented employees, and caregivers with limited rights are particularly vulnerable. 
• Exploitation exists on a spectrum, from worker rights violations to organised crime.  
• Addressing unfair labour practices and safeguarding workers' rights is essential.  

Areas of exploitation in care

• Agencies: Care agencies may be involved in exploiting workers. This could result from inadequate oversight, poor labour practices, or a deliberate intention to exploit vulnerable workers for financial gain. Caution should be exercised when engaging with such agencies. 
• Individual Workers within Agencies: In certain cases, individual workers within care agencies may exploit their colleagues or subordinates. These individuals, often in positions of power or influence, take advantage of their positions to exploit vulnerable workers for personal gain. 
• Recruitment Agencies: External recruitment agencies, both within the source country and the UK, may contribute to modern slavery in the care industry. These agencies may engage in deceptive recruitment methods, charge excessive fees, or create situations of debt bondage and exploitation. 
• External Individuals or Gangs: Modern slavery in the care sector can involve external individuals or criminal gangs who operate independently or in coordination with agencies or recruitment networks. These perpetrators use physical or psychological coercion, wage withholding, or exploitative working conditions to subjugate vulnerable workers. 

Modern Slavery in the care sector - Care recipients

Care recipients: Types of Modern Slavery  

• Forced labour:
  • Vulnerable care recipients compelled to work against their will.  
• Domestic servitude:
  • Care recipients trapped in servitude within private homes or residential settings.
• Physical and emotional abuse:
  • Care recipients subjected to physical violence or emotional manipulation.
  • Abuse as a means of control and intimidation.
• Financial exploitation:
  • Mismanagement or exploitation of care recipients' finances.
  • Leaving vulnerable individuals in a state of financial dependency.
• Neglect and medical exploitation:
  • Deprivation of essential care and necessities for care recipients.
  • Exploitation of medical conditions for profit or unnecessary treatments.
• Cuckooing/ home invasion
  • Criminals taking over vulnerable individuals' homes for illegal activities.
  • Disrupt the care and support that the vulnerable person receives, leading to neglect of their essential needs. 
• Sexual exploitation
  • Non-consensual sexual activities forced upon care recipients.
  • Exploitation of vulnerability for sexual purposes. 

Care recipients: Indicators of Modern Slavery  

• Unexplained injuries: Frequent bruises, cuts, or injuries without plausible explanations. 
• Withdrawn behaviour: Sudden social withdrawal or fear of interaction with caregivers or others. 
• Change in appearance: Drastic changes in personal hygiene, grooming, or appearance. 
• Reluctance to speak freely: Fear or hesitation in discussing living conditions or caregiver relationships. 
• Unexplained financial transactions: Unusual or unexplained financial activities, missing possessions, or significant changes in financial status. 
• Limited freedom of movement: Being kept away from social activities, family, or friends without valid reasons.
• Unusual visitors or changes in living arrangements: Strangers frequently visiting the care recipient or abrupt changes in their living situation. 
• Fear or anxiety around caregivers: Expressing fear or anxiety towards specific caregivers or staff members.  
• Lack of personal possessions: Missing personal items or clothing that are not replaced or explained. 
• Unmet medical needs: Delays in receiving medical attention or lack of proper care for health issues. 
• Signs of neglect: Untreated injuries, bedsores, or poor personal hygiene. 
• Emotional distress: Unexplained mood swings, depression, or sudden emotional changes. 
• Excessive obedience or fear: Overly compliant behaviour or extreme fear of displeasing caregivers. 
• Excessive work hours: Care recipients engaged in heavy labour beyond their capacity. 
• Signs of sexual abuse: Unexplained injuries in genital areas, torn clothing, or sexually transmitted infections.

Modern Slavery in the care sector - Care workers

Care workers: Indicators of Modern Slavery  

• Excessive debt: Be wary of employees with overwhelming financial obligations beyond their means. 
• Retained identity documents: Monitor any retention of employees' passports or identification papers by third parties.  
• Withheld wages: Pay attention to complaints of delayed or withheld wages that create dependency. 
• Unreasonable deductions: Investigate any unauthorised or excessive deductions from employees' salaries. 
• Workplace living arrangements: Ensure appropriate living conditions and fair rent practices for staff living on-site. 
• Physical and emotional indicators: Be alert to signs of physical exhaustion, emotional distress, or changes in behaviour. 
• Isolation and restricted communication: Note if employees are isolated or unable to freely communicate outside of work. 
• Excessive overtime: Monitor excessive working hours beyond legal limits. 
• Lack of employment contracts: Ensure all employees have clear and fair employment contracts. 
• Language barriers: Provide language support to ensure employees fully comprehend their rights. 
• Education and awareness: Train staff and management on identifying and addressing debt bondage and modern slavery. 

Timeline of Modern Slavery increase

Vacancy crisis:  

• The care sector is facing a vacancy crisis, the vacancy rate for 2022/2023 was 9.9% 
• This means that nearly 1 in 10 roles in care agencies in the UK remains unfilled, creating pressure and potential vulnerabilities. 

Introduction of Skilled Care Worker Visa routes:  

• In January 2022, the government lowered the barrier for foreign care workers to be allowed to work in the UK. This meant that – if they could find a UK -based company willing to sponsor them – workers could be granted visas for relatively low-paid roles. 

Increase in workers from abroad:  

• By March 2023, the government had issued 102,000 Skilled Worker – Health and Care visas to foreign workers. 

Recruitment challenges:  

• Rise in illegitimate recruitment agencies in countries of origin charging up to £10,000 for visa applications and forging visa documentation. 
• Rise in illegitimate care agencies in the UK. These agencies may underpay and/or overwork workers, subject workers to poor living conditions, or be involved in serious organised crime. 

Increase in reports:  

• The Modern Slavery Helpline saw a 1000% increase in reported concerns related to the care sector between 2021 and 2022.  

Implications:  

• The most vulnerable individuals in society are at risk of receiving care from unqualified and/or exploited personnel. 

Modern Slavery in the care sector - reporting Modern Slavery